What Leadership Really Feels Like (No One Tells You This) - David Bates

Learning to be at Ease

Craig Prince reflects on his journey from engineering to community-building, navigating burnout, identity shifts, and the pressure to do it all. Through those challenges, he learned one of his most important lessons: to slow down, let go, and be at ease with where he is.

Tiny Wins: Learning to Adapt

José Urbina shares his journey of adjusting to a new country, a new marriage, and a demanding PhD. What began as a clear plan quickly became overwhelming, but through support, resilience, and persistence, he learned to adapt and grow in ways he never expected.

What Leadership Really Feels Like (No One Tells You This) - David Bates

In this episode of Engineering Pack Pod, executive advisor and author David Bates shares what leadership really feels like behind the scenes; the pressure, loneliness, burnout, and responsibility that come with leading people and organizations. Drawing from over 30 years of executive experience, David explores curiosity, trust, perfectionism, and the importance of building leadership that lasts without losing yourself in the process.

Tiny Wins: Breaking Burnout One Step at a Time

In this episode of Tiny Wins, Anna Bona shares her journey through the challenges of PhD life, including burnout, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed by research. What started as a simple decision to attend a gym class became a turning point,  helping her break out of constant stress, improve her mental health, and become more productive. Anna reminds us that sometimes the smallest step can create the biggest shift.

Understanding AI: From Chatbots to Agentic Intelligence

In this episode of Engineering Pack Pod, Dr. Will Kirschenman breaks down artificial intelligence in a practical and accessible way. From chatbots like ChatGPT to the emerging world of agentic AI, he explains how these tools are transforming research, productivity, and decision-making. He also shares insights on ethical use, building trust with AI systems, and why curiosity is essential in navigating this rapidly evolving space.